MANILA, Philippines – The ’90s saw many popular moments in pop culture. It was the era of boybands, Britney Spears, Cristina Aguilera, and cartoons that also made an impact on a new generation. (READ: TV throwback: Cartoons from the ’80s we’d love to watch again)

The ’90s saw the rise of many channels, and so kids had a lot more options when it came to TV time. There were the adventures of babies, teenage angst and a campaign to save the planet. Superheroes also became popular thanks to animated series.

Cartoons from the late ’80s  such as Ducktales and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles also gained popularity during the era. 

We take a look back at some of the popular shows that we watched back then — many of them are still in syndication, while some are getting reboots soon

Rugrats (1990)

Rugrats debuted on Nickelodeon in 1990. The story revolves around a group of toddlers — Chuckie, Tommy, twins Phil and Lil, and Angelica, who always find themselves in scenarios beyond their imagination.

The show was one of the most popular cartoons from the channel. Three movies are also part of the franchise.

Last July 16, It was announced that a Rugrats TV series and live-CGI action film is in the works.

The Simpsons (1989)

The show, about the yellow-colored family from Springfield, started airing in 1989 and gained massive popularity in the ’90s and up to today. The show has tackled various issues, from racism to politics.

Many personalities have also been imortalized in the show, including US President Donald Trump and the Philippines’ very own President Rodrigo Duterte. (WATCH: ‘The Simpsons’ skewers Trump in ‘100 days’ episode)

The show is now the longest-running American sitcom with a 30th season scheduled for 2019. It also came out with a movie in 2007.

Captain Planet and the Planeteers (1990)

Captain Planet and the Planeteers came just when people were beginning to learn about global warming. The show was considered edutainment or educational entertainment, riding on and pushing for growing concern for the environment.

Disturbed by what mankind is doing, Gaia, the spirt of the Earth, sent 5 rings, representing the elements to 5 young people from different parts of the world. By combining their powers, Captain Planet is formed to fight those who continue to destroy Mother Nature’s creation.

Daria (1997)

Daria aired on MTV from 1997 to 2002. It’s about a teenager named Daria, her family, and the situations she had to deal with. Daria is often seen as a jaded teenager, whose views are often cynical and sarcastic in the fictional town of Lawndale.

Last June, it was announced that Daria will have a reboot titled Daria and Jodie. No date has been announced for the airing.

Beavis and Butt-head (1993)

Beavis and Butt-head aired in 1993, telling the story of two incompetent and deliquent boys from Highland, Texas. They often see themselves as very “cool,” despite their un-educated moments and fascination for sex, alcohol, and heavy metal music.

The show drew both positive and negative reviews from the audience due to its humor but was considered by many as icons in ’90s pop culture. It also had its own movie, Beavis and Butt-head do America, which was shown in 1996.

X-Men: The Animated Series (1992)

The X-Men: Animated Series debut in 1992, based on the illustrations of Jimmy Lee in the comics. The show featured the members of the team tackling various issues, as well as conflicts within themselves.

While many of the storylines were made for the show, some stories from the comics have also been integrated into the series.

Tiny Toons Adventures (1990)

Tiny Toons Adventures is the kiddie version of Looney Toons. It tells the tales of Babs, Buster, Plucky, Hamton and their friends, who are students of the Acme Looniversity, where Bugs Bunny, Daddy Duck, Porky Pig, and other familiar Looney Toons characters teach.

The young ones looked up to the characters, hoping to follow in their footsteps.

Batman: the Animated Series (1992)

The Batman cartoons of the ’90s took some inspiration from the Tim Burton-directed films Batman and Batman Begins, as well as the Superman cartoons of the 1940’s. The series was considered as one of the best-adapted versions of the cape crusader, with its dark tone and updates of the character’s origin.

Pokemon (1997 onwards)

Pokemon or pocket monsters is a series created in Japan. The show focuses on Ash Ketchum and his pal Pikachu’s adventures. Providing the comedy and trouble to Ash’s group is Team Rocket, who mainly wants to capture Pokemons for their boss.

They often try to catch Pikachu because of the power he showed the first time they encountered him.

The series, to date, is shown all over the world with more than 13 seasons under its belt. More new Pokemons are “discovered” regularly. The franchise also includes movies, games, and the once-viral Pokemon Go!.

Power Puff Girls (1998)

The Power Puff Girls revolve around 3 little girls – Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles, who are kindergarten students in Townsville. The 3 were created by Professor Utonium in his laboratory. However, he mistakenly put Chemical X, which gave the 3 super powers. 

In the course of their many adventures, the girls faced many foes and also learned to deal with lives as kids.

Dexter’s Laboratory (1996)

Dexter’s Lab follows the adventures of Dexter, a young boy genius with a secret laboratory in his home. Part of his daily challenge is to stop his sister Dee Dee from coming into his lab. Aside from Dee Dee, he also has a bitter rivalry with neighbor and fellow genius Mandark.

Johnny Bravo (1997)

After the success of Dexter’s Laboratory, Johnny Bravo was the next original content that came out in Cartoon Network. It tells the story of a boorish guy, who tries to get dates with girls but always gets rejected.

The show is known for its pop culture references, with special appearances from different personalities.  

Sailor Moon (1992)

Based on the Japanese manga of the same title, the show debut in 1992 in Japan and became a big hit in many countries.

It tells the story of a young girl named Usagi Tsukino, who was given the power to be a Sailor Soldier. Together with a group of other young girls who also have the powers as Sailor Soldiers and the mysterious Tuxedo Mask, Sailor Moon fights evil forces of the Dark Kingdom and defends the earth.

Aside from defending the earth, the show also tackles teenage issues, most notably the romance between Usagi and Mamoru Chiba, who unknown to to her, is actually Tuxedo Mask.

Thanks to cable television, DVDs, and online streaming services, many cartoons from the ’90s are still part of our viewing lists to this day. Still, we can’t help but wax nostalgic over the carefree days that we associate with those cartoons. – Rappler.com